A LITERARY 
ROMANCE 

BY 

MABEL MONTGOMERY BROWNE 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio ss^ Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Logan Street 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties 
for Church, School or Lodge 



Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling' salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all work. A godd little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brightville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Mere is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in 5 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: . Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the ,Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others w^ill be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 



Finding the Key 



A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
faster. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO alsd DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



A Literary Romance 



A Pantomime-farce for Literary 
Classes and Clubs. 



By 
MABEL MONTGOMERY BROWNE 



Copyright, 1922, Eldridge Entertainment House. 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 

FRANKLIN. OHIO DENVER, COLO. 



ICI.D 63214 






OtO 30 *^^^ 



"vvfe 



CHARACTERS 

Miss Current Literature 

Mr. Current Literature 

Mrs. Current Literature 

Mr. Old Classics 

Mr. Up-To-Date Fiction 

Reader 



Scene — Living room in home of Mr. Current Litera- 
ture. A door at iipper right. Stairway at upper left. 
{This is made by printing S-T-A-I-R-S in large letters 
down a strip of ivrapping paper, tacked on a door or 
screen.) Entrance from behind it. Library table at cen- 
ter back of room. Chair at left of table. A large calen- 
dar, showing June, on back wall. A tvhite lace curtain, 
gathered into a roll, is spread on the floor across front of 
stage. "The curtain i.^ doinn." 

The pantomime may be given out of doors, on a laivn 
or in a park. In such case, make no attempt to have scen- 
ery. The S-T-A-I-R-S and calendar may be tacked on 
trees. A table, to hold properties, a chair, and a screen 
at the right, to hide the performers, will make a suffi- 
cient setting. 



INTRODUCTION 



(Reader enters, walks to front of stage, lifts end of 
curtain, and makes a deep boiv to audience. In introduc- 
ing the characters the Reader makes much of the farce 
of drawing hack the curtain as though for ayi actor to 
step before the audience. He closes it after each one and 
dravjs it hack ivith a hoiv for the next.) 

Reader — Ladies and Gentlemen: it gives me great 
pleasure to introduce to you the members of our com- 
pany. I have the honor to introduce to you our star. 
Miss Current Literature, who shines wherever she is. 
(Miss Current Literature hoics low, giggles, hacks atvay) 
Introducing her mother, Mrs. Current Literature, who is 
much of a society fan. (Mrs. Current Literature walks 
sloivhj and with dignity. She ivaves a large feather fan 
languidly.) Her father, Mr. Current Literature, who is a 
publisher by trade. (Father is grim, very business like. 
May wear a long string of block type around his neck.) 
Mr. Old Classics, a suitor for the hand of Miss Current 
Literature. (Mr. Old Classics, very feeble, makes low, 
stately how. Wears old-fashionel clothes, too large for 
him.) I now have the pleasure of introducing young Mr. 
Up-To-Date Fiction. (Very snappy bow. Wears blue 
serge coat, white flannel trousers; carries cane; wrist 
watch much in evidence.) 



A Literary Romance. 



ACT I. 

(Reader comes to left of stage, lifts end of curtain, 
throws it over arm and loalks to extreme right of stage. 
Bows to audience.) 

Reader — Act 1. The curtain is raised. The play is 
begun. (Reads.) Miss Current Literature is very much 
enamored of the Honorable Mr. Old Classics. (She enters 
from right. Dieamy. Sits in chair.) All her waking 
and sleeping dreams are of him. She fishes in her bosom 
for his last fond message to her. (Fishes ivith string 
and bent pin iiook on stick. Draws out yards and yards 
of narroiv paper such as ribbon is ivoimd on. Wi7rds it 
aboi't her as she reads.) Soon she is wrapped in it, and 
so great is her infatuation that she simply devours (she 
eats paper) his v/ritten words of love and devotion. She 
hears a footfall that she recognizes as his and joj'ously 
she TRIPS (stumbles as she iralks) to meet him. She 
knows that he is the grandest man that she has ever SET 
EYES upon. (She pins big letter I, or picture eye, on eith- 
er shoulder of Mr. Old Classics, who has entered from 
right.) They have only exchanged one word (the:y give 
each other ivord "Evening" cut from, ynagazine) when 
her father, who is a publisher by trade, bolts (Fathei^ 
enters from right. Carries big iron bolt or bolt of cloth 
or ribbon.) into the room. One glance out of the tail of 
his EYE (Uses tail from a fur piece.) and he understands 
the whole situation. Angrily, he stamps (Father sticks 
stamps on toe of his shoe.) his foot and orders his daugh- 
ter to her room. Being a dutiful child, she oi>eys. Be- 
ing an angry young lady she tears up the stairs (She 
tears half of paper STAIRS from bottom to near top and 
leaves piece hanging.) and out of sight. Mr. Current 
Literature then calmly begins to search out Mr. Old 

5 



A Literary Romance 



Classics' financial ability to support his daughter in the 
style to which she has been accustomed, (Searches 
through Old Classics' pockets. Finds string, bread, 
knife — anything but money. Throws things about the 
room.) He decides there is not enough money in Old 
Classics any more and turns a DEAF ear (ear of corn) to 
any proposals the old man tries to make. 

Just th3n, Mrs. Current Literature, \vho is much of 
a Society Fan, breezes ( Waves big feather fan.) into the 
room. Out of the tail of i:er eye lUs^s tail from fur 
piece.) she observes that the visitor is rather out of date 
in his general style and instantly knows that he wouldn't 
make any hit with the Society Set. She dscides to 
FREEZE him. (Gets piece of ice out of her hand bag.) 
Her husband introduces them, and the old man salutes 
(gives army salute of 1850.) her hand in a stately man- 
ner. The reason of his call is explained and both hus- 
band and wife agree that such a marriage is impossible 
and they drive Mr. Old Classics from the room. (Use old- 
fashioned shawl strap as reins.) 

Then Mother Current Literature RINGS for daugh- 
ter (w-rings end of bath towel. Have it plenty wet, so 
it ivill show stream of ivater) to come and hear the ver- 
dict. Daughter is still angry and she sweeps (sweeps 
with a broom.) into the room with a high and haughty 
air. She resents their decision and grates her teeth in 
rage. (Uses largest possible kitchen grater.) Seeing no 
sign of relenting in their attitude she tears up the 
stairs (Tears another strip from STAIRS.) to her room. 

Now, Mr. and Mrs. Current Literature are model 
parents, and having taken away one plaything from their 
child, they know they must replace it with another. But 
where to find another suitor! Father POURS (Walks 
about the room pouring water from large pitcher.) over 
the matter. Mother consults the cards. (Holds several 
posters in her hands. Sorts them like cards. Has a 
child's union suit, or combination, pinned to one.) Sud- 
denly she finds a combination.' (Shakes it out.) She 
calls to Father. Excitedly he crosses the room. (Makes 
crosses on floor with a stick or cane.) Young Mr. Up- 



A Literary Romance 



To-Date Fiction! Of course! How strange that they 
had not thought of him before. The affair is left for 
Mother to manage and Father warns her not to make 
any slip. {He slips on floor.) 

And this is the end of Act One. The curtain is down. 
(Replaces curtain on the floor.) 



ACT II. 

(Reader comes to front and lifts curtain as before.) 

Reader — And this is the beginning of Act Two. 

Financially, young Mr. Up-To-Date Fiction is as 
poor as a church mouse, but, being young and handsome, 
he has learned to be wary of mothers with marriageable 
daughters. But finally, by WAVING before him prospects 
of a good square meal, (She waves a poster made on a 
sheet of large paper. Picture of table set with every- 
thing to eat. Bright colors. He gazes at it as though in 
a trance and follotvs as she backs into the room from, the 
right.) Mrs. Current Literature entices him into her 
NET. (Puts hair net over his head.) Father sizes him 
up, (Measures him zvith tape measure or yard stick. Par- 
ticular attention to measurements of head.) and decides 
that although rather young and untried at present, his 
prospects far making a go of the future are all to the 
good. Mother RINGS (Same as before.) for Daughter. 
At the first glance. Daughter falls for him heavily. ( She 
falls on floor.) He gazes at such beauty with wonder in 
his eye and then presses her hand a little too warmly 
for style. (Presses hand tvith an electric iron.) They 
know, without words, that they cannot live apart. 

They shower Mother with kisses (Throw candy 
"kisses.") and Father SETS THE date (Sticks hatpin 
with a date on calendar.) in June, that there may be no 
misunderstandings. 

And the curtain falls upon a picture of complete 
happiness. (Daughter and Up-To-Date Fiction at left. 
Father and Mother in center. Old Classics hobbles in 
from right.) 

CURTAIN 



New JuvenOe Entertainments 



A-B-C-Capers 

By Soemple. Here is an attractive and novel number 
for the Primary Grades or Kindergarten. Little Tim's 
despair in not being able to master letters is turned 
to keen interest by the antics of the alphabet troupe. 
Plays about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

Emily's Dream 

By Mary Frix Kidd. This is the story of a Geogra- 
phy lesson, which, instead of being irksome, was, 
through the medium of a Good Fairy, made very in- 
teresting. This is done by presenting a Geographical 
Pageant. For a large number of children, who pre- 
sent drills, exercises, etc., in costumes of different 
nations. Time, about 1 hour. Price, 25c. 

The Love Flower 

By Bell Elliott Palmer. A very pretty exercise for 6 
or 10 girls and 1 boy. Suitable for Children's Day or 
£aster, and can be given either in or out of doors. 
Time, 10 minutes. Price, 15c. 

The Silver Sandals 

By Banche Thompson. Ths is a charming new play 
for 6 boys, 5 girls, fairies, peasants, attendants, etc. 
The Princess is downhearted and refuses to be con- 
soled. The fiddler plays, peasants do folk-dances, fai- 
ries drill, but not until she gets the silver sandals is 
she contented. Plays 1 hour or more. Price, 25c. 

When Betty Saw the Pilgrims 

By Margaret Howard. A pretty story showing how 
dissatisfied Betty was cured by her mother, who tells 
the story of the hardships of the Pilgrims, which is 
illustrated by ten tableaux. Large numbers of chil- 
dren can be used. Plays about 30 minutes. Price, 
25c, 

Princess Rosy Cheeks 

By Effie Sammond Balph. A "good health" play for 
children, which is very impressive. Introduces Fresh 
Air Fairies, Soap and Water Fairies, Tooth Brush 
Brigade, Food Fairies, Rest Fairies, and others. Good- 
sized cast required with two older children. Plays 
about 1 hour. Price, 3Cc. 

Queen Loving Heart 

By Jean Ross. A splendid children's play, teaching 
many good lessons. A pretty story of the crowning of 
Loving Heart, her capture by the Indians and sub- 
sequent release, because of her kindness. Can be used 
for May Day play. 11 speaking parts, Indians, etc. 
Plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



HALLOWE'EN HILARITY HINTS 

Good Things To Keep The Ball Rolling 

A Bunch of Stunts for Hallowe'en 

A new book of doings, contributed by many wide- 
awake writers. Covers almost any kind of festival, 
party or entertainment you wish to give. Drills, 
games, stunts, decorations, etc. Price, 75c. 

The Fairy and the Witch 

A 1 -act allegorical sketch for Hallowe'en, by A. D. 
Nelson. 1 adult, male or female, and any number of 
children. In this very picturesque little play, the 
Black Witch of Hallowe'en falls under the spell of 
the White Fairy and superstition gives way to rea- 
son. Time, about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Frolic of the Witches 

By Juanita Mae Culp. This is a clever little drill es- 
pecially adapted for Hallowe'en. Introduces flash- 
lights and brooms, and is for 11 girls. Price, 25c. 

Guess Who Song and Drill 

Something novel. Price, 2Sc. 

The Haunted Gate 

By Edith Wormwood. A clever play for Hallowe'en. 
The capture of the ghosts furnishes a good climax to 
the play. 3 males, 7 females. Plays front 30 to 45 
minutes. Price, 35c. 

Jimmy's Ghosts 

By Cecil J. Richmond. A sketch for children. Five 
speaking parts with chorus of witches. Can easily be 
given in any school room. Price, 15c 

Scarecrows A-Roaming 

An eccentric drill. Price, 25c. 

What To Do on Hallowe'en 

Compiled by Juanita Mae Culp. This is a really good 
collection of helpful suggestions for this occasion. 
Suggestions for decorations, menus, parties, games, 
stunts, recipes, a play or two, and other good things. 
Purchasers will find themselves relieved from worry 
and trouble concerning Hallowe'en. Price, 40c. - 

Fun With Fortune Telling 

Compiled by Mrs. G. L. Henson. Here is a book that 
will furnish fun and interest for any social gathering. 
Every one is interested in their "fortune" and this 
book is arranged to give you pleasure, either individ- 
ually or as a crowd. Price, 50c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





017 400 454 7 € 

ANOTHER PATRIOTIC MONOLOG 



"WHEN MONTY CAME HOME 
FROM THE MARNE" 



By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 



■"pHE STORY tells of a widow's son, apeace- 
* ful young farmer, who enlisted in the U. 

S. Marines and lost an arm, as his lather lost 

an arm at Shiloh. A stirring description of a 

gas attack and how the Marines won^ the 

fight. 
The climax is reached when Monty comes 

back and drives the cattle up the lane. 
Suitable for any reader and a number that 

will be welcome on any program. 



HE 



PRICE 26 CENTS 



THE ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKim, OHIO atsg t:£si, KNVER,G010. 



